“••••• Says apparent focusing on a single governorship aspirant at early stage may undermine internal democracy, discourage participation, and weaken party unity.
The former Chairman of All Progressives Congress ( APC) in Keffi Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, Mr Muhammad Bello-Yakub, has called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the party affairs in the state to promote internal democracy.
This is contained in a statement he signed and issued to newsmen on Tuesdayx in Lafia .
He urged the party to provide level playing field to all aspirants of the party ahead of 2027 general elections.
Bello-Yakub also said apparent focusing on a single governorship aspirant at this early stage may undermine internal democracy, discourage participation, and weaken party unity.
” If these issues are not urgently addressed, there is a strong likelihood that the party may experience a recurrence of the setbacks witnessed in the 2023 elections.
It would be recalled that recently Gov. Abdullahi Sule has endorsed Sen. Ahmed Aliyu Wadada as his preferred Governorship APC aspirant in the State which has brought a lot of reactions from stakeholders.
The former APC Chairman explained how the party suffered significant setbacks in the 2023 general election by losing presidential votes, three Senate seats, two House of Representatives seats and many State House of Assembly to opposition in the State.
” I respectfully want to bring to the attention of His Excellency, Ahmed Bola Tinubu and the National Leadership of the party on critical concerns regarding the recent political developments and internal dynamics of our great party in Nasarawa State.
” Particularly in light of the outcomes of the 2023 general elections. In the said elections, the party suffered significant setbacks, including the loss of the presidential vote in the state,
” Three senatorial seats, the KeffiFederal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives, as well as
multiple seats in the State House of Assembly.
” Specifically, the party lost two Assembly seats in Karu Local Government Area, two in Lafia Local Government Area, one in Keffi Local Government Area, and two in Toto Local Government Area.
He attributed the electoral losses largely on lack of internal cohesion, ineffective coordination, and insufficient engagement among key stakeholders.
” It is important to note that even the governorship election outcome was at risk and only salvaged through timely
interventions,” he said.
He appealed to the President and National leadership of the party to intervene over the current situation of the party in the state for victory of the party in 2027.
” Regrettably, the current situation within the party in Nasarawa State suggests that these challenges persist.
” There appears to be limited inclusiveness in decision-making processes, with critical stakeholders and a significant number of traditional rulers, including prominent Emirs, not adequately consulted or carried along,” he said
Bello- Yakub also urged the President and National leadership of All Progressives Congress to restore unity, inclusiveness, and discipline within the party structure in Nasarawa State.
” We also suggest the following measures for kind consideration:
” Encouraging a level playing field for all aspirants to promote internal democracy and healthy competition.
” Facilitating reconciliation among aggrieved party members and stakeholders, Strengthening stakeholder engagement, including consultations with traditional rulers and grassroots leaders.
” Establishing a conflict resolution mechanism to address internal disputes promptly. Promoting transparency and fairness in party processes to rebuild trust and confidence among members,” he added
He emphasized that the state would remains a stronghold with immense potential for the party if there is unity, fairness, and strategic leadership.
The former APC Chairman expressed confidence in the commitment of the President and National leadership of the party to the progress and stability of the party nationwide.
” And I trust that your timely intervention will help reposition the party in Nasarawa State for future electoral success,” he said.
